The hosts struggled to cope with the pressure and made numerous errors, only inviting Rovers on more.

McSheffrey goes for an overhead kick

Ferguson's side would earn 18 corners in total, such was the manner of their pressure but there was some disappointment that the failed to make better use of the opportunities.

One of their best chances of the first half was their initial effort. Gary McSheffrey attempted an audacious overhead kick after the ball was topped around the box but former Rovers loanee Chris Neal tipped over the bar.

McSheffrey smashed a shot over the bar from 30 yards soon after.

But Bury should have taken the lead on 12 minutes. A superb ball from Leon Clarke sent Tom Pope in one on one but Remi Matthews raced out and blocked his shot.

The hosts would have the first half's best chances and Matthews was the hero again as he kept them out by any means neccessary midway through the period.

The ball fell to John O'Sullivan after a deep cross and Matthews parried his shot away superbly. But the clearance came out to Tom Soares who smashed a first time shot which struck Matthews square in the face.

Such was the impact to the keeper's head, he was forced off with Thorsten Stuckmann coming off the bench.